Soil-transmitted Helminth Intensity Research Articles

Implications of Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminthes (STHs) on Rural Farmers’ Productivity in Selected Districts of Sierra Leone

Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH) are among the most prevalent parasitic diseases that impair childhood physical and mental growth, hence hindering economic development. The study was a cross-sectional-designed survey, conducted in three districts in Sierra Leone between December and March 2022 on 625 individual farmers to determine: 1) the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths; 2) the intensity of soil-transmitted helminths; 3) the effect of the prevalence and intensity on farm productivity, and 4) the implication of these effects on agricultural extension service delivery and the rural livelihood of the selected districts. Stool samples were collected from male and female farmers in fifteen chiefdoms in the selected districts and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. A total of 625 individuals were included, among whom 172 (27.0%) were vegetable farmers, 224 (35.8%) were tree-crop farmers and 226 (36.2%) were rice farmers. The result indicates a prevalence of parasitic infection among farmers shown by 58.4% eggs/ova in stool from the three districts. STH prevalence is higher in Bo (64.0%), Koinadugu (56.9%), and Kailahun (51,7%). STH infections, in various ways, affected extension services, delivery and the livelihoods of individual farmers. The recommendation is that farmers and children be periodically dewormed for STH infection in rural areas.

Environmental contamination by soil-transmitted helminths ova and subsequent infection in school-age children in Calabar, Nigeria

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is linked to poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and poor sanitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2021 targeting school-age children (7–15 years) in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty-four (244) school-age children participated in the study and 240 soil samples were collected from the selected schools. Faecal and soil samples collected were analysed following standard methods. One hundred and thirty-two [132/244; 54.1%] of 244 faecal samples analysed were positive for STHs. Three STHs were present in faecal samples examined; Ascaris lumbricoides (31.6%), Trichuris trichiura (11.9%) and hookworm (8.2%). The prevalence of STHs was highest amongst the 13–15 years age-group (57.4%) and least in the 7–9 years age group (40.7%) (p = 0.319). Females had the highest prevalence rate (55.6%) while 52.3% was recorded in males (p = 0.164). The overall intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides (68.82±3.605 epg) infection was higher than that recorded for hookworm (58.80±7.279 epg) and T. trichiura (55.71±4.460 epg). There was no significant gender and age-related difference in infection intensities (P>0.05). Out of 240 soil samples examined, 156 (65%) were positive for STHs which included Ascaris lumbricoides (23.3%), hookworm (17.5%), Trichuris trichiura (16.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (15.8%). Dumpsites recorded the highest prevalence of STHs (72.5%). Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest mean parasite intensity in soil (148.78±12.28). Overall intensity of STHs in soil was significantly higher in dumpsites areas (164.32±20.58) compared to playground and toilet areas (p = 0.030). Our findings reveal that soil-transmitted helminthiases remains a burden amongst school-age children. Furthermore, the high level of contamination of soil with ova/larvae of parasites is a serious public health concern pointing to the need for proper sanitation and health education within the study area. Data present will aid policy makers in establishing measures to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiases in children as well as the level of contamination in the environment.

The burden of soil-transmitted helminths infections among pregnant women in Maharashtra and Rajasthan states of India.

ABSTRACTContext:Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections are among the most common and widespread infections in developing countries where sanitation facilities are inadequate.Aims:This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of STH infections in prenatal mothers in two states in India.Settings and Design:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Maharashtra and Rajasthan state of India. We randomly selected one municipal corporation and one rural block from a selected district in each state.Methods and Material:Out of 2400 contacted, 2206 pregnant women gave stool samples for microscopy for parasitological study. The response rate was 89.91%. Stool specimens were transported to an accredited lab and examined microscopically within 24 hrs.Results:Prevalence of STH was 8.34 (95%CI 7.22–9.57). The prevalence in rural and urban areas was 10.01% (95%CI 8.51–11.74) and 5.76% (95%CI 4.39–7.52), respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides (34.7%) were the most common, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (30.43%), and 20.1% were mixed infections. Higher age, walking barefoot, weight gain during pregnancy were significantly associated with STH (p < 0.05). The mean hemoglobin value in women with STH was significantly less (8.75 gm%; SD 4.04) compared to those without STH (10.23 gm%; SD 1.23) (p < 0.05), and average weight gain during pregnancy was significantly less among women with STH (3.80 kg; 4.11) compared to women without STH (8.45 kg; 2.83); (p = 0.000).Conclusion:The study provides valuable insights into the burden and intensity of STH in pregnant women that may support the policy recommendation for deworming during pregnancy.

Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors among Adolescents and Adults in Bibugn Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Soil-transmitted helminths are a common public health problem in Ethiopia, affecting all age groups. However, epidemiological studies and interventions primarily target school-age children, despite the fact that 44.6 million adults live in endemic areas. Hence, data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths infections and associated factors among adolescents and adults helps to expand interventions. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and associated factors among adolescents and adults in Bibugn Woreda, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bibugn Woreda from February to September 2021. Using multistage proportionate sampling technique, 641 adolescents and adults were enrolled in this study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with helminthic infections was collected using structured questionnaire prepared in Amharic and administered through face-to-face interview. Parasite detection in stool samples was performed using modified formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz techniques following standard protocols. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 25. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with soil-transmitted helminths infections. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection was 20.9% (134/641). The most detected parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (12.5%), followed by hookworm species (7.5%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.1%). Fecal egg counts revealed that 96.5% (112/116) of the infections were with light parasite intensity, while 3.5% (4/116) were with moderate parasite intensity. Family size >5 (AOR = 1.866; 95% CI: 1.221–2.853; P=0.004), absence of latrine (AOR = 3.675; 95% CI: 1.599–8.449; P=0.002), and no habit of hand washing before meal (AOR = 2.622; 95% CI: 1.073–6.405; P=0.034) were significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminths infections. Conclusion There was moderate prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among adolescents and adults with predominance of A. lumbricoides. Family size greater than five, absence of latrine, and no hand washing habit before meal predisposed adolescents and adults for soil-transmitted helminths. The existing school-based interventions should expand to address adolescents and adults.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections after mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in rural southern India.

Targeted deworming is the current strategy for control of morbidity associated with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) among at-risk populations: preschool-aged children, school-aged children and women of childbearing age. We report the prevalence and intensity of STH in a district after lymphatic filariasis (LF) mass drug administration (MDA) in southern India where albendazole was co-administered from 2001. Children aged 2 to 15years and adults (defined as ≥15years) in a rural administrative block of Tamil Nadu were recruited using a probability proportional to size method. Stool samples were screened and eggs per gram (EPG) determined by Kato-Katz method. Multilevel logistic regression (MLR) and multilevel negative binomial regression (MNBR) analyses were used to identify factors associated with infection and intensity, respectively. Of 862 participants who provided samples, 60 (7.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.3-8.7) were positive for STH with a predominance of hookworm infections (n= 57, 6.6%; 95% CI: 5.0-8.3). Increasing age (odds ratio (OR): 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04-1.15) and regular usage of the toilet (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12-0.88) were independently associated with hookworm infection and age was significantly associated with increasing intensity of hookworm infection (infection intensity ratio (IIR): 1.28; 95% CI: 1.19-1.37). A brief review of STH prevalence in endemic settings before and after the stoppage of LF MDA indicated that, in most settings, a substantial reduction in STH prevalence is seen. Community-wide MDA in all age groups in these post-LF MDA districts with low prevalence and light intensity infections could result in transmission interruption of STH.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths: Parasite load and viability amidst mass drug administration in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Presently, the operational strategies for the control of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) has been via Mass Drug Administration (MDA) which primarily targets school and pre-school age children, child-bearing age women, including adults with high-risk occupations. Therefore, this study was done to relate the frequency of drug usage by the host to the intensity and viability of STH ova in the faecal samples collected in 11 study areas (Alakia, Akanran, Molete, Aleshinloye, Iwo Road, Eleyele, Bodija, Moniya, Olodo, Omi Adio and Podo) within Ibadan methropolis. A total of 1100 faecal samples were collected from voluntary participants between January and December 2018 and a standard Kato-Katz techniques was used for diagnosis. Well-structured questionnaire to acquire data on the demographics and usage of drug against STH infections was administered to each of the consenting participants. SPSS version 21 was used to analyze the data; ANOVA at p&lt; 0.05. Faecal samples (35.9%) had one species of parasite minimally. Ascaris had the highest prevalence of 41.6%, followed by 24.5%, 23.5% and 10.4% for Trichuris, hookworm and Strongyloides species respectively. The parasite specific prevalence varied significantly (p≤0.05). Bodija had the highest frequency of drug usage with the least viability (6.1%) and intensity (5.4%). There is a negative correlation between frequency of drug usage and intensity (r= -0.39) and viability (r= -0.35) across the sampling locations. The STH infection prevalence observed could be attributed to poor environmental sanitation, poor personal hygiene arising from several factors such as lack of adequate sanitary facilities and other associated risk in the study locations. The decrease in viability and intensity of STH with respect to level of MDA drug usage might be significant to anticipated effectiveness and eventual success of MDA programmes in Ibadan environs.

Prevalence of soil transmitted helminths in school-aged children, Colombia, 2012-2013.

BackgroundThis study aims to establish the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) intestinal infections, nutritional status, and anemia in school children aged 7 to 10 years old in the biogeographic provinces of Colombia in 2012–2013. STH prevalence in the country has not been described within the last 30 years and it is needed in order to establish policies its control in the country.MethodologyNational Survey of STH in school-aged children with a multistage stratified probability sampling was conducted. The overall prevalence and intensity of STH infection, as well as for each parasite, (A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworms) were calculated for the country and for each of the nine biogeographic provinces.Principal findingsStool samples were collected from 6045 children in eight out of nine biogeographic provinces. The combined prevalence of STH in the country was 29.6%. T. trichiura was the most prevalent helminth (18.4%), followed by A. lumbricoides (11.3%), and hookworms (6.4%). For A. lumbricoides and hookworms, the highest prevalence values were found in the Amazonía province (58.0% and 35.7%, respectively). Regarding STH intensity, most cases showed moderate intensity (41.3%) for A. lumbricoides, and light intensity, for T. trichiura and hookworms. The national prevalence of anemia in school-aged children was 14.2%, lowest in the Nor-Andina province (3.5%), and highest in the Territorios Insulares oceánicos del Caribe province (45.1%).SignificanceColombia has a moderate risk of STH infection in school-aged populations, with considerable variation in the prevalence values among the biogeographic provinces. Like any public health issue, this problem should be handled with a comprehensive approach that involves deworming programs and strategies for STH control according to the specific epidemiological and socioeconomic conditions and sanitation service coverage in each biogeographic province. The program should be further supported by intersectoral action to improve living conditions, particularly the excreta disposal, promoted at municipality levels.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status of school children in government elementary schools in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Introduction:Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malnutrition are major health problems of school-age children in developing countries. Malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections often co-exist with synergetic consequences.Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and its association with nutritional status of school-age children.Methods:School-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to May 2014 among 404 elementary school-age children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Data on background characteristics were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organization standard. Fresh single stool sample was collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and McMaster techniques. Anthropometric indices were generated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to isolate independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status using STATA-MP software. All tests were two-sided and P < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Results:The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and soil-transmitted helminths were 68.6% (n = 277) and 55.0% (n = 222), respectively. A total of eight species of intestinal parasites were identified in this study, Trichuris trichiura being the most common parasite identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides. Study participants who had a habit of open defecation were two times more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.4). The overall prevalence of stunting and thinness were 21.0% (n = 85) and 6.9% (n = 28), respectively. The odds of stunting was significantly high (adjusted odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.7–9.7) among children who had fathers working as daily labourers and children with personal dietary diversity score of ⩽3 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–8.0). T. trichiura infection (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–44.8) was identified as an independent predictor of stunting among school-age children.Conclusion:Both the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and stunting are high among school-age children in Jimma Town. Although there was no statistically significant association between the STHs, in general, T. trichiura was reported as predictor of stunting. The results imply the need for strengthening strategies for reduction of parasitic infection to curb the pervasively high prevalence of stunting.

Prevalence, Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths, and Factors Associated with Infection: Importance in Control Program with Ivermectin and Albendazole in Eastern Côte d'Ivoire.

Evaluation of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and implementation of additional interventions are required in the region of a filariasis control program, given that antifilariasis drugs also have a beneficial effect on STHs. Thus, this study determines the extensive epidemiology of STHs to improve their successful control. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz method. Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to measure differences in infection rates and intensities, respectively, and logistic regression identified the risks of infection. The main intestinal helminths (A. lumbricoides, hookworm [N. americanus], S. mansoni, and T. trichiura) were found in the population. The overall prevalence of STHs was 19.5%. The prevalence of hookworm, the predominant species, ranged from 2% (n=6) to 28% (n=97). The overall prevalence of the other intestinal helminths was less than 6% (n=18). Intensity of hookworm was mostly light with a range from 1.6% (n=5) to 25.9% (n=90). However, the intensity of the species was significantly greater in Soribadougou compared to the other localities. Heavy infection was found in old children and adults but not in young children. Open defecation (OR=3.23, p≤0.05), dog/cat raising (OR=1.94, p≤0.05), farming (OR=14.10, p≤0.05), and irrigated culture (OR=3.23, p≤0.05) were positively associated with hookworm. It was observed that the participants missed the follow-up examinations due to trip (32.7%) or misunderstanding (15%) and lack of information (11.8%) of the purpose of the survey. Thus, to sustain the control of STHs, the MDA program should target the entire community and add education about the use of toilets, best practices of farming, and dog/cat raising.

Impact of community-based integrated mass drug administration on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth prevalence in Togo.

BackgroundTogo has conducted annual, integrated, community-based mass drug administration (MDA) for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis since 2010. Treatment frequency and target populations are determined by disease prevalence, as measured by baseline surveys in 2007 and 2009, and WHO guidelines. Reported programmatic treatment coverage has averaged over 94%. Togo conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2015 to assess the impact of four to five years of MDA on these diseases.Methodology/Principal findingsIn every sub-district in the country outside the capital, the same schools were visited as at baseline and a sample of fifteen children age 6 to 9 years old was drawn. Each child submitted urine and a stool sample. Urine samples were tested by dipstick for the presence of blood as a proxy measure of Schistosoma haematobium infection. Stool samples were analyzed by the Kato-Katz method for STH and Schistosoma mansoni. At baseline, 17,100 children were enrolled at 1,129 schools in 562 sub-districts; in 2015, 16,890 children were enrolled at the same schools. The overall prevalence of both STH and schistosomiasis declined significantly, from 31.5% to 11.6% for STH and from 23.5% to 5.0% for schistosomiasis (p<0.001 in both instances). Egg counts from both years were available only for hookworm and S. mansoni; intensity of infection decreased significantly for both infections from 2009 to 2015 (p<0.001 for both infections). In areas with high baseline prevalence, rebound of hookworm infection was noted in children who had not received albendazole in the past 6 months.Conclusions/SignificanceAfter four to five years of MDA in Togo, the prevalence and intensity of STH and schistosomiasis infection were significantly reduced compared to baseline. Data on STH indicate that stopping MDA in areas with high baseline prevalence may result in significant rebound of infection. Togo’s findings may help refine treatment recommendations for these diseases.

Albendazole therapy reduces serum zinc in elementary school children with Ascaris lumbricoides infections

Background&lt;br /&gt;Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection can cause malnutrition and vice versa, and decrease serum zinc concentrations. No previous studies were found on the effect of STH treatment on serum zinc concentrations in elementary school children. The objective of this study was to evalaute the effect of STH treatment on serum zinc concentration in elementary school children in Jakarta. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Methods&lt;br /&gt;A pre-experimental study (one group pre and post) was conducted on 3rd - 5th grade students in one elementary school in North Jakarta. FLOTAC examination was used to determine infection status and STH intensity, while serum zinc concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. All children were given albendazole 400 mg for three consecutive days. Stool and blood samples were collected before and three weeks after treatment with albendazole. A paired t test was used to analyze the data. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Results&lt;br /&gt;The STH prevalence was 63.4%; these were mainly Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections. Before treatment, children infected with A.lumbricoides and T.trichiura had significantly higher serum zinc concentrations (p=0.028; p=0.014). After treatment, children with A.lumbricoides had significantly lower serum zinc concentrations (p=0.039), while children with T.trichiura had slightly lower serum zinc concentrations (p=0.659) than before treatment. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Conclusions&lt;br /&gt;Albendazole treatment produces lower serum zinc concentration in elementary school children with A.lumbricoides infections. A profound understanding of the interaction between helminth infections and zinc may assist in guiding integrated and sustainable intervention strategies among affected children throughout the world.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors among Pre-School Children in Butajira Town, South-Central Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain a major public health problem, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Though infections are prevalent among all age groups, the world health organization (WHO) considers Pre-school age children (PSAC), school-aged children, and pregnant women as segments of population at high risk of STH morbidities.ObjectiveThis study aimed at determining the prevalence and infection intensity of STH and associated factors among PSAC in Butajira Town, south-central Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June, 2014 in Butajira Town. The PSAC were selected by systematic sampling technique and invited to participate in the present study. McMaster technique was employed for parasitological analysis of stool samples. Pearson’s Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were performed where appropriate to identify any association between STH infection and independent factors. Multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify independent predictors of STH among the PSAC. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 377 (with 96% compliance rate) PSAC were able to provide complete data (socio-demographic information and stool sample). The study showed that 23.3% (88/377) PSAC were infected with one or more species of STH. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent STH (14.9%) followed by Trichuris trichiura (6.4%). The overall infection intensity, expressed as geometric mean for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworms were 229, 178, and 154 eggs per gram of stool, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model estimated that being in the age group of 36–47 months (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.3, P = 0.016), untrimmed finger nail (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.8–5.5, P < 0.001), and not washing hands before a meal (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.7–5.4, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of STH infections among the children.ConclusionThe present study showed that STH was a public health problem among PSAC in the study area necessitating annual deworming to control morbidities associated with STH. Besides, the existing health education program should also be strengthened to prevent re-infection.

Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Among School-Aged Children in Sigmo Primary School, Jimma Zone, South-Western Ethiopia

Background: School-aged children have been identified as high risk group of population to be infected with soil- transmitted helminths (STH) in developing countries. Although, there were previous reports concerning the prevalence; but limited data are available with regards to intensity of the STH. Therefore, the objective of current study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of STH and associated risk factors among school-aged children at Sigmo primary school. Method: Cross-sectional study design was conducted from March-April 2015, at Sigmo primary school children, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Study subjects were selected from grade 1-8 with in age groups between 5-18 yrs old with multistage sampling techniques. The demographic and risk factor analysis data were collected by using pre-tested and structured questionnaires from parents/guardian or teachers of the children. Prevalence and intensity of STH were determined by using Kato-Katz thick smear techniques. Student’s data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 software package, both logistic regression and chi-square statistical analysis approaches were applied. Results: Out of 330 calculated sample sizes, 302 were participated in the study. The overall prevalence of STH was 41.7%. A. lumbricoides was the predominant parasite (19.8%) followed by T. trichiura (15.6%). In logistic regression, latrine usage (AOR: 1.77, 95% CI, 1.09-2.87, P=0.020), habit of hand washing before meal (AOR=1.776, 95% CI, 1.098-2.871, P=0.019) and habit of hand washing after toilet (AOR=1.595, 95% CI, 1.005-2.531, P=0.048) were predictor of STH infections in the study area. Regarding sex as possible risk factor, male children were infected more than female children, but not statistical significant. Overall infection intensity of A. lumbricoides in the study area was (20.2%), T. trichiura (16.9%) and hookworm was (1.67%), respectively. Conclusion: Prevalence of STHs in the study area was quite high and calls for at least annual mass drug administration in addition to prompting preventive actions like health education, personal hygiene and provision of clean water in the study area.

High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in Southern Belize-highlighting opportunity for control interventions

To assess prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in school age children of two southern districts as baseline information prior to implement a deworming program against intestinal parasites as part of an integrated country development plan. Children randomly selected from urban and rural schools in Southern Belize provided one stool sample each, analysed by the Kato-Katz method to assess prevalence and intensity of STH infections. Epi Info software was used for data analysis; Chi-square test and Fischer exact test were applied to compare group proportions; P<0.05 was considered of statistical significance; descriptive statistics were expressed as percentages. A total of 500 children from 10 schools participated in the study from May to December 2005. Prevalence of STH ranged between 40% and 82% among schools, with a median of 59.2%; the majority of light intensity, and with 2.2% high intensity infection. Trichuris and Ascaris infections presented similar frequency in children aged from 6 to 9 years old; hookworm infections tended to be more frequent in the older group 10 to 12 years old. Statistical significances (P≤0.01) were found in children in rural schools infected with any species of STH, in moderate Trichuris infections, in hookworm infections in rural areas with strong Mayan presence and in Ascaris infections in children of Mayan origin. High prevalence of STH in Southern Belize provided sound ground for implementing an integrated deworming control program.

Co-Infections of Asymptomatic Malaria and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in School Children in Localities with Different Levels of Urbanization in the Mount Cameroon Region

Malaria and Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) do co-infect hosts and it has been speculated that urbanization alters the frequency and transmission dynamics of both infections. This study was aimed at finding out the influence of urbanization on the prevalence and intensity of co-infections of asymptomatic malaria and STHs in schoolchildren in the Mount Cameroon Region. A total of 235 and 208 children from Ekona (rural) and Great Soppo (urban) respectively aged 4-14 years were enrolled into a cross-sectional study. Blood films were Giemsa-stained for the determination of malaria parasite density and speciation. Capillary blood was spun for the determination of packed cell volume. Stool samples were examined by the Kato-Katz technique for the presence and intensity of STHs. The prevalences of malaria in Ekona and Great Soppo were, 92.34 % and 82.70 % respectively (X2 = 9.60, p = 0.002). Malaria Geometric Mean Parasite Density (GMPD) in Ekona (277 ± 1988) was higher than that in Great Soppo (251±2400 parasites/ µl). Prevalence of helminths was higher in Ekona (43.82%) than Great Soppo (11.54%) (X2 = 60.12, p < 0.001). Coinfections were higher in Ekona (41.70 %) than Great Soppo (10.58%) (X2 = 45.83, p < 0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth and also had the highest Geometric Mean Egg Density (GMED) in Ekona, followed by Trichuris trichiura and hookworm. A similar pattern was observed in Great Soppo except for T. trichiura which was the most prevalent helminth. Prevalences of anemia in Ekona and Great Soppo were 6.00% and 1.00% respectively. The highest prevalence of anemia, GMPD and GMED occurred in co-infected participants when compared to those infected only with malaria or STHs. The prevalence of the infeections decreased with increase in level of urbanization. Schoolbased control of these infections especially in rural areas will reduce their related morbidities.

Current status of soil-transmitted helminthiases among pre-school and school-aged children from Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths among pre-school and school-aged children attending nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife. Single stool samples were collected between January and March, 2009 from 352 children randomly selected from a total of 456 children attending both private and government schools. The stool samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique, and then examined for the eggs of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). One hundred and twenty-one (34.4%) samples were positive for STH eggs. The overall prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm were 33.2%, 3.7% and 0.9%, respectively. The prevalence of STH infection in government schools (47.8%) was significantly higher than in private schools (16.1%) (P<0.001). The most common type of mixed infection was the combination of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (6.8%). The prevalence and intensity of A. lumbricoides rose with age. The lowest prevalence and intensity (7.7%; 0.240±0.136 eggs per gram (epg)) were recorded in the 2- to 3-year-old age group, while the highest prevalence and intensity (58.7%; 1.820±0.237epg) were recorded in children aged 10 years and above. A questionnaire survey indicated that 73% of the children attending private school had been treated with anthelminthics less than 2 months prior to the collection of stool specimens, while 43% of the children attending government school received anthelminthic treatment during the same period. The findings indicate that STH infections are endemic among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife and that the burden of parasitic infections is greater in government schools than in private schools.

Reduction in Hookworm Infection after Praziquantel Treatment among Children and Young Adults in Leyte, the Philippines

One small previous study found that praziquantel reduced hookworm infection. In this study, 607 subjects were enrolled in a longitudinal study. At enrollment and every 3 months for 18 months, three stool samples were collected, and the intensity of infection with Schistosoma japonicum and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) was quantified. All subjects were treated with 60 mg/kg praziquantel at baseline. Three months post-treatment, the percent of subjects who were hookworm-infected decreased to 46.5% from 61% at baseline. The putative cure rate was 23.7%. The 95% confidence interval around the change in hookworm egg counts from baseline to 6 and 12 months post-treatment was negative and did not include zero. The percent reduction in hookworm egg counts from baseline to 3 months post-treatment was 40.8%. Praziquantel treatment did not decrease the infection intensity of STHs. Control programs using praziquantel may have the added benefit of reducing hookworm infection and anemia in areas of coendemnicity.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections in Nigerian children aged 0–25 months

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in children aged 0-25 months and to identify the associated risk factors for Ascaris lumbricoides infections. The study was conducted in three villages outside Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria in May/June 2005. Stool samples (369) were processed by formol-ether concentration. Ascaris lumbricoides (12.2%) was the dominant infection. Age, father's occupation and dog ownership were identified as the significant risk factors in the minimal adequate model for A. lumbricoides. The odds of being infected with A. lumbricoides increased as the children got older. Children aged 12-17 months and 18-25 months were 8.8 and 12.4 times, respectively, more likely to harbour Ascaris than those aged 7-11 months. The odds of harbouring Ascaris for children whose families owned a dog were 3.5 times that of children whose families did not own a dog. Children whose fathers were businessmen were 0.4 times less likely to be infected with Ascaris than those whose fathers were farmers. The findings from this study suggest that many of these young children, who are at a critical stage of development, are infected with Ascaris and that the prevalence of infection with this parasite increases with age. This study has highlighted the need to incorporate preschool children into deworming programmes in endemic regions and to investigate innovative ways of delivering cost-effective deworming treatment to this high-risk age group.

Intestinal protozoan and helminth infections in the Municipality San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río, Cuba

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the intensity of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among children who attend the educational centres of San Juan y Martinez, Cuba. Ascaris lumbricoides, Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found, with prevalence rates of 40.5%, 38.5% and 25%, respectively. In total, 91% of children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite. The rates and intensity of intestinal parasitic infections found permit us to speculate that the conditions that predispose to acquire intestinal protozoan and STH infections persist in this municipality.